1937 Delage D8-120 Honored at Salon Privé

The Mullin Automotive Museum’s 1937 Delage D8-120 claimed “Best Pre-War Automobile” and “Most Opulent” during the Chubb Insurance Concours d'Elégance held at Salon Privé on August 30, 2018. Salon Privé is one of the U.K.’s longest-running and most successful motoring events. The D8 took second in show overall during the 13th-anniversary celebration.

Kicking off the three-day Salon Privé, the Chubb Insurance Concours d'Elégance welcomed a world-class collection of autos to the lawns of Blenheim Palace - the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. This year featured more than 50 cars and 20 motorcycles from around the word that were judged by an expert panel of 17 judges led by the five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell MBE.

“We are happy with the opportunity to share the beauty and history of the French automotive styling every chance that we get,” said Peter Mullin, founder and CEO of the Mullin Automotive Museum. “We’re thrilled that our passion and one of the most beautiful cars in our collection could be shared at the most elegant and historic Concours event in the United Kingdom.”

Known for its exceptional handling, the Mullin’s 8-cylinder D8-120 starred in the 1951 film “An American in Paris.” The film’s producers commissioned some changes to the car’s design, including taillight modifications and a new green paint job. The car’s original coachbuilder, Henri Chapron, was involved in the alterations. Years later, in 1987, the car was put up for auction and purchased by Peter Mullin, who restored the car to its original configuration and added it to the museum’s collection.